Sir Thomas Malory wrote Le Morte d’Arthur during the tumultuous period of the 15th century, specifically around 1470. One of the main reasons for writing this work was the political instability and civil strife that England faced during the Wars of the Roses.
Malory was imprisoned at the time, and he dedicated his writings to the idea of chivalry, honor, and the romanticized past of King Arthur and his knights. This was a reflective act, seeking to encapsulate a vision of an idealized past amidst the chaos of contemporary England.
Moreover, the concept of chivalry was being challenged during this period. Malory’s work can be seen as both a celebration and a lament for the virtues and values that were fading. By creating a comprehensive narrative of Arthurian legends, he aimed to revive the spirit of chivalry and unity that had once been deemed noble.
In this sense, Le Morte d’Arthur isn’t just a retelling of Arthurian tales; it is also a commentary on Malory’s own context and the longing for a more noble and unified society. His writing represents a convergence of the past and present, attempting to instill hope for a future guided by those revered ideals.